Want to paint my kitchen cabinets, but...

Moira
by Moira
They are solid oak, still in good condition, but sooo dated. The problem I have, is that the handles are little round knobs, right in the center of each door..! I want to paint the cupboards white, buy new handles, and install them on the lower edge in the corner... I'm afraid this is going to leave 3 holes in the middle of each door, that I doubt I'll be able to cover up... Any suggestions?
  13 answers
  • Country Design Home Country Design Home on Jun 01, 2016
    You should be able to fill those holes with some wood filler putty. Just make sure you really smooth it out without leaving any indents in the surface. If you are unsuccessful at that, you can always create a fake center panel out of veneer or even beadboard wallpaper. (you can find it at Lowes) I have transformed quite a few pieces with it. You just paste it on and then paint right over it. Super easy and looks great!
  • you should use a bondo wood filler - it dries really hard and sands beautifully and won't ever crack ! It's very smelly though just FYI
  • Lat4886375 Lat4886375 on Jun 01, 2016
    We had dated solid oak cabinets and completely modernized ours with Rustoleum cabinet transformations. No sanding! The results were amazing! There are videos on YouTube or you can go the Rustoleum site. They discuss changing knob placement etc. I highly recommend this product.
  • Dee Dee on Jun 01, 2016
    You could also try filling the holes with varying sizes of wooden dowl rods (purchase at any home improvement store). Sand ends smooth to cabinet door surface. Then paint.
  • Amy Hunsinger Amy Hunsinger on Jun 01, 2016
    You may have to apply the wood filler more than one time if it shrinks when it dries. It's definitely a do-able project. My daughter and I refinished her kitchen cabinets and spray painted the hardware. Hint: We pushed the screws for the hinges and pulls into a piece of styrofoam so we could paint them thoroughly the first time.
    • Jillian Jillian on Jun 01, 2016
      This is an awesome secret for anyone doing any Diy project! I use this method always. ;)
  • Jean Myles Jean Myles on Jun 01, 2016
    Wood filler will fill the holes. Check YouTube for how-to
  • J.g. Hudik J.g. Hudik on Jun 01, 2016
    As mentioned above, a Bondo wood filler, a non shrink filler, applied sanded and likely a second finish fill, then sanded and painted. Sherwin Williams Classic Acryllic is great and gives a beautiful and durable finish. I would suggest a satin clear sealer for extra duability and cleanability. Mine turned out beautifully!
  • Jodi Jeff Tryon Jodi Jeff Tryon on Jun 01, 2016
    I just painted my oak cabinets with General Finishes Milk Paint. I love it! Everyone that sees them like it and several are planning to do the same thing.
  • William William on Jun 01, 2016
    I agree with other posters. Dowels if the holes are large, wood filler or Bondo to fill small holes. Sand smooth and paint.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jun 01, 2016
    You can also use a decorative (keeping it simple) appliqué as they would be uniform in their locations throughout. Even a simple wood strip, shape or molding piece cut to fit.
  • Mnd6007570 Mnd6007570 on Jun 01, 2016
    Craft stores have like Micheals have wood rounds doles; take the shaft of knob with you to store size it up to slightly larger you can sand them down if needed. Look at ends to see if there is a grain, put in going with grain use small amount of wood glue as far as the need for paint. I wood use a natural varnish remover. May that more than one a temp depending on layers on the cabinet. Then use a sander, in direction of the grain of wood. Then redo varnish or white wash finish the wood this will show the grain, and lighten up your kit. Or another light hue color. Hope you try this.
  • Cindy Hagemann Cindy Hagemann on Jun 01, 2016
    Wood filler will work fine for this - I do it all of the time. Let it dry, sand it and do it again, if needed. Then drill your new holes (make a template so that each door is drilled in the same spot).
  • Rebecca Motsch Rebecca Motsch on Jun 04, 2016
    Filling the holes will require sanding if you don't they will probably show A pretty applique made of wood or vinyl could be used to accent your kitchen decor